Simone Biles and Sports Mental Health

The world of sports has long celebrated physical toughness, grit, and resilience. Athletes are often praised for their ability to push through pain, overcome obstacles, and perform under immense pressure. But in recent years, a growing number of athletes have begun to focus on a different kind of strength: mental health. One of the most prominent voices in this movement is gymnastics legend Simone Biles, whose decision to prioritise her mental well-being during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics sparked a global conversation about mental health in sports.

Historically, mental health has been a taboo subject in the world of sports. Athletes were expected to "tough it out" and show no signs of weakness, which led to many struggling in silence. Simone Biles' decided to withdraw from several Olympic events in 2021, citing concerns about her mental health. In doing so, she not only protected herself but also gave countless athletes permission to prioritise their mental well-being over the expectations placed on them.

Biles' bravery was quickly echoed by other athletes. Tennis star Naomi Osaka, for instance, withdrew from the French Open earlier in 2021, citing mental health struggles. These decisions have helped to normalise the conversation around mental health in sports. Athletes are now beginning to acknowledge that mental health is just as important as physical health and that addressing it openly is not a sign of weakness but of strength.

Elite athletes face incredible pressure from all directions — fans, media, sponsors, and even themselves. They are expected to perform at the highest level consistently, often with little room for error. This pressure can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, depression, burnout, and other mental health challenges. In Biles’ case, the “twisties,” a dangerous mental block in gymnastics, made it unsafe for her to continue competing.

What’s significant about Biles’ decision is that it challenges the long-standing narrative that athletes must sacrifice everything — including their mental health — to succeed. Her openness about her struggles reminds us that athletes are human, too, and that the mental strain of performing on the world stage can have serious consequences.

Biles' actions have sparked important discussions within sports organisations about how to better support athletes’ mental health. Teams, leagues, and governing bodies are beginning to invest more in mental health resources. There has been an increase in mental health programs available to players, and teams now have dedicated mental health professionals on staff.

Athletes like Michael Phelps, who has been open about his struggles with depression, have paved the way for others to speak out. This is slowly changing the culture of sports, where mental toughness is no longer just about enduring physical pain but also about taking care of one’s emotional and psychological well-being.

While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in fully addressing mental health in sports. Many athletes still fear that speaking out about their struggles could jeopardise their careers or ruin their reputations. Additionally, societal expectations that athletes should be “invincible” remain in society today.

However, with athletes like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and others leading the charge, there is hope that mental health will become a permanent part of the conversation. Their courage is reshaping how we view success in sports — not just as winning medals or breaking records, but as living balanced, healthy lives.

In the end, the movement to prioritise mental health in sports isn’t just about athletes; it’s about everyone. Biles’ story serves as a reminder that taking care of our mental health is crucial, no matter what we do. By normalising the conversation, athletes are helping to break the stigma and encouraging others to seek help when they need it.